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Displaying 27 Articles

What is a Safe Floor?

By Eugenio E. Hernandez, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Expert Article

Of the walking surfaces we encounter on a daily basis, constructed walkways can be considered the most common. Architects commit significant resources to designing and ensuring that walkways are built…

Brick Stairways

By Andrea T. Baranyk, AIA, NCARB, LEED, CXLT
Expert Article

The use of brick as a building material on stairs and walkways is common in some regions of the country but can present certain safety issues without proper installation, inspection and maintenance.…

Tree Roots & Sidewalk Heaving

By Christopher Larson, BCMA, TRAQ
Expert Article

Along sidewalks, the root systems of trees can displace or lift up the sidewalk over time in a phenomenon referred to as “sidewalk heaving.” Sidewalk heaving can present a trip and fall…

Wheel Stop (Parking Block) Safety

By Andrea T. Baranyk, AIA, NCARB, LEED, CXLT
Expert Article

This article discusses standards relevant to wheel stops (parking blocks) and what can be done to prevent trip and fall injuries in parking lots. The premises safety experts at Robson Forensic have…

Snow Removal Operations

By Christopher Larson, BCMA, TRAQ
Expert Article

Proper snow and ice management is critical for maintaining the safety of parking lots and sidewalks throughout the winter season. This article addresses the standard of care for snow and ice removal…

Property Maintenance Standards for Premises Safety

By Albert J. Kerelis, Jr., AIA, NCARB, ARM
Expert Overview

This article discusses the standard of care for exterior property maintenance as it relates to premises liability disputes. Adequate maintenance should account for both preventive and unplanned…

Crosswalk Tripping Hazards

By Richard Tippett, P.E., T.E.
Expert Article

Crosswalk safety traditionally focuses on access within ramp areas and efforts to reduce pedestrian vs. vehicle collisions. However, slip, trip, and fall hazards also represent a substantial risk…

Low Light Conditions in Arenas & Stadiums

By Mark T. Sullivan, AIA, NCARB, CDT, CXLT
Expert Article

Fixed seating assembly occupancies, such as arena and stadium venues, are designed to provide entertainment to large audiences, and must make the main event easily visible for seated audience members…

Stairway Design Standards

By Catherine Peterman, AIA, NCARB
Expert Overview

In this article, the premises safety experts at Robson Forensic provide an introduction to the International Building Code stairway design requirements for new buildings. Particular attention is paid…

Slips, Trips & Falls on Dance Floors

By Anthony Fenton, AIA, RRC, REWC, ASCA-C, CXLT, CPSI
Expert Article

Dance floors, be they permanent feature or installed for temporary use, can be dangerous to participants if not properly installed, maintained, and monitored for safe use. This article examines the…

Walkway Barriers & Accessibility Disputes

By Mark Monteith, AIA, LEED AP
Expert Overview

Architectural barriers appear in a broad range of premises liability disputes. Compliance with the ADA and other relevant codes and standards frequently removes hazards from access routes like…

Evaluating Lighting in Premises Liability Disputes

By Douglas W. Peden, RA, NCARB
Expert Article

Adequate illumination is often a topic in premises liability claims. In this article, Architect & Premises Safety Expert Doug Peden discusses the standard of care for artificial illumination and…

Winter Maintenance: Freeze, Thaw, and Refreeze

By Robson Forensic
Expert Article

The adequacy of snow and ice management is frequently disputed in premises liability cases. Standards for snow and ice control on walkway surfaces recommend methods to maintain reasonably safe…

Trips & Falls at Outdoor Venues

By Edward A. Gray
Expert Article

Public parks, private resorts, amphitheaters, and other outdoor spaces are popular event venues that require inspection and maintenance in order to ensure the safety of visitors. In this article,…

Raised Booth Platform Seating

By Robson Forensic
Expert Article

Raised booth seating, sometimes used in restaurants, is associated with an increased rate of misstep and fall incidents. In this configuration, the booth is placed on a raised platform that is…

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